Motorized awning control apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved awning control apparatus for connection to a support structure wherein the awning is secured to the support structure on one end thereof and to a shaft on the opposite end thereof. The shaft is rollingly supported at one end thereof by a support assembly, having a portion pivotally secured to the support structure and another portion connected to the shaft. The awning control apparatus includes a motor supported within the shaft, having a drive shaft extending from the shaft and secured to a portion of the support assembly, the motor being positioned and connected to rotate the shaft in a releasing direction to releasingly unroll the awning from the shaft and to rotate the shaft in a storing direction to storingly roll the awning about the shaft.

United States Patent [1 1 Akers et a1.

[ 3,847,171 5] Nov. 12, 1974 1 1 MOTORIZED AWNING CONTROL APPARATUS [76]Inventors: Robert M. Akers: Harold L.

Westfall, both of 1536 S. Central, Oklahoma City, Okla.

221 Filed: May 29,1973

[21] Appl. No.: 364,753

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.108,880. Jan. 22.

1971, Pat. No. 3,779,302.

3,779,302 12/1973 Akens 160/68 Primary ExaminerPeter M. Caun Attorney,Agent, or FirmDunlap, Laney. Hessin, Dougherty & Codding [57] ABSTRACTAn improved awning control apparatus for connection to a supportstructure wherein the awning is secured to the support structure on oneend thereof and to a shaft on the opposite end thereof. The shaft isrollingly supported at one end thereof by a support assembly, having aportion pivotally secured to the support structure and another portionconnected to the shaft. The awning contrpl apparatus includes a motorsupported within the shaft, having a drive shaft extending from theshaft and secured to a portion of the support assembly, the motor beingpositioned and connected to rotate the shaft in a releasing direction toreleasingly unroll the awning from the shaft and to rotate the shaft ina storing direction to storingly roll the awning about the shaft. 1

9 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEU NOV 12 mm 2 5 i mSL 0 MM CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is acontinuation-in-part of the applicants copending application Ser. No.l08,880,filed Jan. 22, 1971, entitled Awning Control Apparatus now US.Pat. No. 3,779,302.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally toimprovements in awning control apparatus, and, more particularly, butnot by way of limitation, to awning control apparatus for connection toa support structure having a motor supported in a portion of the awningshaft connected to roll and unroll the awning about a shaft.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART In the past, various support devices havebeen developed for supporting an awning in a fully extended position, ina horizontal plane generally above the ground. Some of these supportdevices have been adapted to be utilized in cooperation with varioussupport structures.

In the past, these supports have generally comprised a plurality ofsupport legs, which were secured to one end of the awning and supportedin theground. The end of the awning opposite the end thereof secured-tothe support legs was generally attached to the support SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION An object of the invention is to provide an awning controlapparatus for supporting an awning in an extended position relative to asupport structure which is economical in construction and operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an awning controlapparatus wherein the drive means not only provides the driving impetusto roll and unroll the awning, but also provides the driving impetus tomove the support connection to a stored and an operating position,respectively.

A further object of the invention is to provide an awning controlapparatus wherein the awning is rolled and unrolled about a shaft in amore uniform and efficient manner.

A an further object of the invention is to provide an awning controlapparatus which can be economically and efficiently supported on acamper-type trailer or mobile home support structure.

One other object of the invention is to provide a drive means for anawning control assembly which is substantially protected from theelements during the operation thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anawning control apparatus connected to a camper-type trailer supportstructure wherein the awning is extended to an operating position withrespect to the support structure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the awning controlapparatus of FIG. 1, showing a typical support connector portion of thesupport assembly and showing the awning in an extended or unrolledposition and in a stored position, the support assembly being shown in astored position in dashed-lines in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial front elevational, partial sectional viewof a portion of the awning control apparatus of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings ingeneral, and to FIG. I in particular, shown therein and designated bythe general reference numeral 10 is an awning control apparatus which isconnected to a support structure 12, or, more particularly, connected toa camper-trailer 12. The awning control apparatus 10 is constructed tomove an awning 14 to a stored position and to an extended, assembledposition, and to support the awning in these positions. The awningcontrol apparatus 10 includes a support assembly 16, which is connectedtothe awning 14 via a shaft 18, and to the support structure 12 suchthat the awning control apparatus 10, including the support assembly 16,is pivoted to a stored position and an operating position as the awning14 is rolled and unrolled, respectively, about the shaft 18, in a mannerto be described in detail below.

The awning 14 is constructed of a'relatively flexible material and has aroll end 20 and a support end 22. The roll end 20 is securedly connectedto the shaft 18 via a plurality of rivets 24, as shown more clearly inFIG. 3.

The support end 22 of the awning 14 is connected to the supportstructure 12 via a bar 26. In one form, the support end 22 of the awning14 is removably secured to the support structure 12 and, in this form,the bar 26 includes a hollow portion extending axially therethrough andan axially extending elongated slot which intersects the hollow portionof the bar 26 and extends between the opposite ends of the bar. In thisembodiment of the invention, a portion of the awning 14, generally nearthe support end 22 thereof, is rolled over a stranded, rope-like memberand secured thereabout to form a ridge extending generally along thesupport end 22 of the awning 14. The ridged portion of the awning 14,formed by the rope-like member, is sized to be removably and slidablydisposed within the hollow portion of the bar 26, in a manner describedin detail in the applicants copending application, Ser. No. 108,880,filed Jan. 22, I971.

The awning control apparatus 10 also includes a the rivets 24, thestoring direction 30 and the releasing direction 32 are, moreparticularly, relative directions. The shaft 18 can thus be rotatedclockwise or counter- The drive assembly 28 includes a motor 40, havinga motor housing 41 enclosing the various operating components thereofand a drive shaft 42 journally extending through the housing 41 apredetermined distance from one end of the motor 40. The motor 40 isconnected to a motor power source 44 via a cable 46. A motor control 48is interposed between the motor power source 44 and the motor 40, themotor control 48 being positionable in a forward position, a reverseposition and an off position in one preferred operational embodiment.The motor control 48 is constructed to establish continuity between themotor 40 and the motor power source 44 in the forward and the reversepositions thereof, and to interrupt continuity therebetween in the offposition thereof. The motor 40 is constructed to drivingly rotate thedrive shaft 42 in one direction substantially corresponding to thestoring direction 30 when the motor control 48 is positioned in theforward position, and to drivingly rotate the drive shaft 42 in anopposite direction substantially corresponding to the releasingdirection 32 when the motorcontrol 48 is positioned in the reverseposition.

In one preferred form, the motor 40 is, more particularly, an electricmotor and is connected to a source of electrical energy represented viathe motor power source 44 by electrical conductors comprising the cable46. In this embodiment, the motor control 48 is a forward-off-reversebi-polarity type of threeposition switch, for example, capable ofestablishing electrical continuity between the motor 40 and the motorpower source 44 in the forward position of the motor control 48 withreverse polarity as compared to the polarity of the motor power source44 when connected to the motor 40 in the reverse position of the motorcontrol 48. Electric motors having drive shafts and constructed to beoperated via a forward-offreverseswitch type of motor control interposedbetween the motor and an electrical power source are well-known in theart and a detailed description of the construction and the operation ofthe motor, the drive shaft and the switch-type of motor control is notrequired herein. a

The motor 40 is disposed within the opening 34 of the shaft 18 generallynear the end 36 of the shaft 18 and, more particularly, the motor 40 issecuredly connected to the shaft 18 via securing bolts 50 threadablyinserted through threaded apertures 52 formed] through the shaft 18, oneend of each of the securing bolts 50 engaging the motor housing 41 andcooperating to secure the motor 40 in an assembled position connected tothe shaft 18 The motor 40 is positioned near the end 36 of the shaft 18such that, in an assembled position,

the drive shaft 42 extends axially a predetermined distance beyond theend 36 of the shaft 18.

A circular cap 54, having a cap opening 56 formed through a centralportion thereof, is removably connected to the end 36 of the shaft 18,more particularly, the cap 54 has a flange 58 formed on the outerperiphery thereof extending a predetermined distance generallyperpendicularly therefrom and circumferentially thereabout. The outerdiameter of the cap 54 formed via the outer peripheral surface of theflange 58 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the axial opening34 of the shaft 18. In an assembled position, the flange I 58 of the cap54 is inserted a distance into the opening 34 of the end 36 of the shaft18 to a position wherein the cap 54 is removably secured to the shaft 18and the drive shaft 42 extends through the cap opening 56.

In one preferred embodiment, the flange 58 is sized to sealingly engagethe wall formed in the shaft 18 via the axial opening 34. In thislast-mentioned embodiment, the outer diameter of the cap 54 formed viathe outer peripheral surface of the flange 58 is sized to provide apress fit or the like, sealingly engaging the inner peripheral surfaceformed via the axial opening I 34 in the shaft 18, for example.

A cylindrically shaped plug 60 is disposed within the axial opening 34generally nearthe end 38 of the shaft 18. A shaft extension 62 isconnected to one end of the plug 60 and extends a predetermined distanceaxially from the central portion of the plug 60. In an assembledcondition, the plug 60 is disposed within the opening 34 and positionedtherein such that the shaft extension 62 extends a predetermineddistance axially beyond the end 38 of the shaft 18. The plug 60 issecured within the shaft 18 via a securing bolt 64 threadably insertedthrough a threaded aperture 65 formed through a portion of the shaft 18and intersecting the opening 34 generally near the end 38 of the shaft18. The securing bolt 64 engages the shaft 18 and the plug 60 securingthe plug 60 in an assembled position connected to the shaft 18.

The support assembly 16 includes a pair of support connectors 66 and 68(the support connectors 66 and 68 sometimes being referred to below asthe first support connector 66 and the second support connector 68). Thedrive shaft 42 of the motor 40 is secured to the support connector 66and the shaft extension 62 is journally connected to the supportconnector 68. Thus, in a driven position of the motor 40 when the motorcontrol 48 is positioned in the forward or the reverse position, torqueis applied at the drive shaft 42 via the motor 40 causing the motor 40to rotate relative to the support connector 66 sincethe drive shaft 42is secured to the support connector 66. The rotation of the motor 40 isimparted to the shaft 18' due to the connection betweenthe shaft 18 andthe motor 40 provided via the securing bolts 50, the end 38 of the shaft18 being journally connected to the support connector 68 via the shaftextension 62 journally connected to thesupport connector 68. Thedirection of rotation of the shaft 18 is controlled via the position ofthe motor control 48 in a manner described before.

The support connectors 66 and 68 are each constructed similarly and eachsupport connector 66 and 68 includes a rod member 70, having one endthereof bers 70. Each base member 76 is, more particularly, telescopedabout the end of one of the rod members 70, opposite the end of the rodmember 70 pivotally connected to the support structure 12, the rodmembers 70 each being telescoped in a portion of the hollow portion ofone of the base members 76. The rod member 70 and the base member 76 ofeach support connector 66 and 68 are each constructed such that the basemembers 76 can be telescoped about one of the rod members 70 in agenerally downwardly direction 78 and in a generally upwardly direction80, for reasons which will be made more apparent below.

The support assembly 16 also includes a pair of screw members 82, eachscrew member 82 having a portion threadedly insertable through one of aplurality of threaded openings 83 formed in the base members 76. Theopenings 83 are spaced along each base member 76 and the screw members82 are sized such that each screw member 82 is removably insertablethrough one of the openings 83in the base members 76 to a positionwherein a portion of each screw member 82 intersects the hollow portionof one of the base members 76. The screw members 82 are, moreparticularly, positioned with the hollow portions of the base members 76such that a portion of each screw member 76 engages an adjacent portionof one of the rod members 70 limiting the movement of the rod members 70in a direction 80 and securing each rod member 70 in a predeterminedtelescoped position within one of the base members 76, the predeterminedtelescoped position being selectively adjustable by inserting the screwmembers 82 in selected openings 83, for reasons which will be made moreapparent below.

A stop 84 is disposed within the hollow portion of each of the basemembers 76, each stop 84 being sized and positioned within one of thebase members 76 such that a lower portion thereof engages the end of oneof the rod members 70 telescoped in the base members 76 limiting themovement of each rod member 70 in a direction 80 and positioning eachrod member 70 in a storing position within one of the base members 76,for reasons to be made more apparent below.

The support assembly 16 also includes a pair of brace members 86. Oneend of each brace member 86 is pivotally connected to a portion of thesupport structure 12 via a pin 88 and a flange 90, each flange 90 beingsecured to the support structure 12. The end of each brace member 86,opposite the end thereof which is pivotally secured to the supportstructure 12, is removably connected to one of the support connectors 66and 68 and, more particularly, to one of the base members 76. Each bracemember 86 is pivotable to a bracing position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,with respect to the support connectors 66 and 68 to prevent the rotationof the support connectors 66 and 68 in a direction generally toward thesupport structure 12, for reasons to be made more apparent below.

A member 92 is removably secured to the end of each brace member 86,opposite the end thereof which is pivotally secured to the supportstructure 12. In one form, each member 92 is constructed of anelastomeric material to reduce sliding friction between each member 92and the base member 76 in engagement therewith.

The support assembly 16 also includes a pair of C- shaped flanges 94,each flange 94 being secured to a portion of the support structure 12and positioned thereon to receive one of the brace members 86 and one ofthe support connectors 66 and 68, in one position of each brace member86 and each support connector 66 and 68. The support assembly 16 isconstructed and positioned on the support structure 12 such that eachbrace member 86 and each of the support connectors 66 and 68 can bepivoted in adirection generally toward the support structure 12 toastored position (shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 2), wherein each bracemember 86 and each of the support connectors 66 and 68 is disposedgenerally adjacent the support structure 12 and removably disposed inone of the C-shaped flanges 94. Each brace member 86 and each of thesupport connectors 66 and 68 is secured in a stored position within oneof the C-shaped flanges 94 by a pin 96.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, a block 98 is disposed and securedWithin the hollow portion of each base member 76 and disposed generallynear the ends thereof, opposite the end telescopingly receiving one ofthe rod members 70. An opening 100 is formed through each block 98 and,in an assembled position, each opening 100 is aligned with an opening102 formed through each of the base members 76.

The shaft extension 62, more particularly, journally extends through theopening 102 in the base member 76 of the support connector 68 andthrough the opening 100 formed through the block 98 secured within thebase member 76 of the support connector 68. The end of the shaftextension 62, opposite the end connected to the plug 60, extends adistance beyond the base member 76 and a nut 104 is secured thereon, thenut 104 engaging the base member 76 and retaining the shaft extension 62in an assembled position journally extending through the openings 100and 102.

The drive shaft 42, more particularly, journally extends through theopening 102 in the base member 76 of the support connector 66 andthrough the opening 100 formed through the block 98 secured within thebase member 76 of the support connector 66. The end of the drive shaft42, opposite the end extending from the motor housing 41, also extendsthrough a portion of an opening 106 formed through a shaft support block108. The shaft support block 108 is securedly connected to the basemember 76 of the support connector 66 and the openings 106, 100, 102 andthe 'cap opening 56.

A bolt 110 is threadedly disposed through a threaded opening 112 formedthrough a portion of the shaft support block 108, extending generallytransversely to the opening 106 and intersecting a portion of theopening 106. The bolt 110 engages a portionof the drive shaft 42removably securing the drive shaft 42 in astationary position relativeto the shaft support block 108, thereby securedly affixing the driveshaft 42 in a stationary position relative to the support connector 66.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The awning control apparatus 10,described in detail above, is constructed to controllingly and uniformlyunroll the awning 14 from about the shaft 18, to an extended oroperating position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and to securedly supportthe awning 14 in that position. The awning control apparatus 10 alsocontrollingly and uniformly rolls the awning 14 about the shaft 18, to aposition wherein the awning control apparatus 10 is sccuredly supportedin a stored position (as shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 2).

To storingly roll the awning 14 about the shaft 18 and to move theawning control apparatus 10 to a stored position, the operator willinitially disengage each brace member 86 from the support connectors 66and 68, and pivot each brace member 86 in a general direction 114 towardthe support structure 12, to a position wherein each brace member 86 isdisposed generally adjacent the support structure 12 and within theflange members of the C-shaped flanges 94. The operator will thendisengage each screw member 82 from the respective rod member 70 inengagement therewith, and telescope each base member 76 in a generallydownwardly direction 78 to a position wherein each of the stops 84limitingly engage the end of one of the rod members 70, therebypositioning each of the support connectors 66 and 68 in a position to bestoringly disposed with respect to the support structure 12.

The motor control 48 is then positioned in the forward positionestablishing continuity between the motor 40 and the motor power source44 and positioning the motor 40 in a first driven position. In the firstdriven position of the motor 40, torque is applied at the drive shaft 42in a direction causing the motor 40 and the shaft 18 connected theretoto be rotated in a storing direction 30 via the interconnections betweenthe motor 40 and the shaft 18 and between the drive shaft 42 and thesupport connector 66.

As the shaft 18 is rotated in a storing direction 30, the awning 14 willbe storingly rolled about the shaft 18 thereby pivotally moving theshaft 18 and each of the support connectors 66 and 68 in a generaldirection 116 toward the support structure 12. In the extended positionof the awning 14, each of the support connectors 66 and 68 and the shaft18 are disposed such that the natural gravitational forces tend to pivotthe shaft 18 and each of the support connectors 66 and 68 in a generaldirection 118, the weight of the motor 40 supported within the shaft 18augmenting the pivotal movement in the direction 118. The pivotalmovement of each support connector 66 and 68 and the shaft 18 in ageneral direction 118 is limited by the awning 14 which is secured tothe support structure 12 and the shaft 18.

The pivotal tendency of each support connector 66 and 68 in the generaldirection 118 causes the weight of each support connector 66 and 68 andweight of the shaft 18 to pull the awning 14 in a direction generallyaway from the support structure 12, thereby maintaining the awning 14taut as the awning 14 is storingly rolled about the shaft 18. In thismanner, the awning 14 is rolled about the shaft 18 in a more efficientand uniform manner. The motor control 48, in one embodiment, may be ofavariable speed type so that the operator may regulate the speed withwhich the awning 14 is rolled and unrolled from about the shaft 18,however, in the'preferred embodiment, the motor 40 rotates the shaft 18at a relatively constant speed, the utilization of the motor 40resulting not only in an increase in efficiency of operation, but alsosubstantially increasing the uniformity with which the awning 14 isstoringly rolled or releasingly unrolled about the shaft 18.

It should also be noted that the motor 40 can be easily stopped toposition the awning 14 at various intermediate positions between theextended position and the stored position thereof utilizing the motorcontrol 48, if desired, in some applications. In one embodirne'nt,themotor control 48 is remotely disposed with respect to the motor 40 andthe shaft 18 for operating the awning control apparatus 10 from a remoteposition such as by locating the motor control 48 inside the supportstructure 12 or on the exterior side wall of the support structure 12near the awning control apparatus 10, for example.

When the awning 14 has been storingly rolled about the shaft 18, each ofthe support connectors 66 and 68 and the shaft 18 will have been pivotedin a general direction 116 to a stored position, generally adjacent thesupport structure 12, as shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 2. In the storingposition, each brace member 86 is interposed between one of the supportconnectors 66 and 68 and the support structure 12, and each brace member86 and support connectors 66 and 68 are so disposed in one of theC-shaped flanges 94, as shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 2. The pins 96 aretheneach inserted through each flange 94 to secure the brace members 86and the support connectors 66 and 68 in a stored position.

To position the awning in the extended position as shown in FIGS. 1 and2, the operator will initially remove each pin 96 from each C-shapedflange 94 and position the motor control 48 in the reverse positionestablishing continuity between the motor 40 and the motor power source44 positioning the motor 40 in a second driven position. In the seconddriven position of the motor 40, torque is applied at the drive shaft 42in a direction causing the motor 40 and the shaft 18 connected theretoto be rotated in a releasing direction 32 via the interconnectionsbetween the motor 40 and the shaft 18 and between the drive shaft 42 andthe support connector 66.

As the awning 14 is releasingly unrolled from the shaft l8, each supportconnector 66 and 68 and the shaft 18 connected thereto will be pivotedin a general direction 118, to a position wherein the awning 14 iscompletely unrolled from the shaft 18 in the fully extended position. Aspreviously noted, the motor controls 48 may interrupt continuity betweenthe motor 40 and the power source 44 at any desired position of theawning 14 between the stored position and the extended position, thenatural gravitational forces tend ing to pull the support connectors 66and 68 and the shaft 18 in a general direction 118 maintaining theawning 14 taut.

When the awning 14 has been unrolled to a predetermined, selectedposition, the operator will then telescopingly extend each base member76 in a general direction 80, to a position wherein the awning 14 isextended in a generally horizontal plane 'above the ground, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Each of the screw members 82 are then threaded throughone of the openings 83 in the base members 76 and positioned tosecuringly engage one of the rod members securing each of the rodmembers 70 in an assembled position with respect to one of the basemembers 76.

Each of the brace members 86 is then pivoted in a general direction to aposition wherein each member 92 engages a portion of one of the basemembers 76, thereby preventing the pivotal movement of the supportconnectors 66 and 68 and the shaft 18 in a general direction 116 andsecuring the support assembly 16 in an assembled position.

lt will be apparent from the foregoing to those skilled in the art, thatthe awning control apparatus 10, described above, is constructed touniformly roll and unroll the awning 14 in a more efficient manner. Thevarious components and assemblies of the awning control apparatus 10 areconstructed to cooperate in such a manner that, as the awning 14 ismoved to a rolled and an unrolled position, each component and assemblyis constructed and positioned to be quickly, conveniently andefficiently secured in a stored or extended position 10 relative to thesupport structure 12. lt should also be noted that, since the motor 40is enclosed via the shaft 18 and the cap 54, the motor 40 issubstantially protected from the elements during the operation of theawning control apparatus 10.

Changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts orelements of the embodiment as disclosed herein without departing fromthe spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. Awning control apparatus for connection to a support structure,comprising: i

a shaft, having opposite ends and an opening extendin g a distanceaxially therethrough intersecting one of the ends thereof;

an awning, having a roll end and a support end, the roll end of theawning connected to the shaft and the support end of the awningconnectable to the support structure;

a motor, having a drive shaft extending therefrom, disposed within aportion of the opening in the shaft and the drive shaft extending adistance beyond the end of the shaft intersected via the shaft opening,the motor having a first driven position applying torque to the driveshaft in a direction tending to rotate the shaft in one direction and asecond driven position applying torque to the drive shaft in a directiontending to rotate the drive shaft in an opposite direction with respectto the first driven position;

means connected to the shaft and the motor securing the motor to theshaft;

a first support connector having one end portion pivotally connectableto the support structure, generally below the connection between thesupport structure and the awning;

means connected to the end portion of the first support connector,opposite the'end portion of the first support connector connectable tothe support structure, and having a portion securedly connecting thedrive shaft of the motor to the first support connector, therebysecuring the drive shaft in a stationary position relative to the firstsupport connector;

a second support connector having one end portion pivotally connectableto the support structure, generally below the connection between thesupport structure and the awning;

means having one portion secured to the shaft generally near the endthereof, opposite the end portion of the shaft connected to the motor,and one other portion journally connected to the end of the secondsupport connector, opposite the end portion connectable to the supportstructure; and

means connected to the motor and having a portion positionable in aforward position positioning the motor in a first driven positionrotating the shaft in a storing direction storingly rolling the awningabout the shaft and positionable in a reverse position positioning themotor in a second driven position rotating the shaft in a releasingdirection releasingly unrolling the awning from the shaft.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and the second supportconnectors are each defined further to include:

a rod member having one end pivotally connectable to the supportstructure, generally below the connection between the support structureand the awning; and

a base member having one end portion telescopingly connected to the 'endof the rod member, opposite the end of the rod member connectable to thesupport structure, the end of the base member, opposite the end thereoftelescopingly connected to the rod member, being connectable to one endportion of the shaft; and

wherein the motor is connected to the shaft and to one of the basemembers such that the weight of the motor, the shaft and the first andthe second support connectors cooperate with the pivotal connectionbetween the first and the second support connectors and the shaft andthe end of the first and the second support connectors are pivotallyconnectable to the support structure to pivotally bias the shaft in apivotal direction generally away from the support structure maintainingthe awning taut.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each base member includes a hollowopening extending a distance therethrough intersecting the end thereoftelescopingly connected to one of the rod members, and wherein theapparatus is defined further to include:

a pair of stops, one stop disposed in the hollow opening of each basemember and securedly connected in a predetermined position thereto, eachstop engaging the end of the rod member telescoped in the base memberlimiting the movement of each rod member in one direction with respectto the base member telescopingly connected thereto, the stopscooperatingly positioning the rod members and the base members of thefirst and the second support connectors in a storing position.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each base member includes a hollowopening extending a distance therethrough intersecting the end thereoftelescopingly connected to one of the rod members, and a plurality ofspaced openings formed through each base member intersecting the hollowopening extending through a portion of each base member; and wherein theapparatus is defined further to include:

a pair of screw members, one screw member threadedly insertable throughpredetermined, selected openings formed through each base member to aposition wherein a portion of each screw member is disposed within aportion of the hollow opening of one of the base members and engageablewith the end of the rod member telescoped in the base member limitingthe movement of each of the rod members in the base members in onedirection, the screw members cooperatingly positioning the rod membersand the base members in predeterminedtelescoped positions.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means posi tioning the motor inthe first and the second driven positions is defined further to include:

a motor power source connected to'the motor; a motor control interposedbetween the motor and the motor power source, having a forward position,a reverse position and an off position, the motor control connecting themotor power source to the motor positioning the motor in the firstdriven position in the forward position of the motor control, connectingthe motor power source to the motor positioning the motor in the seconddriven position in the reverse position of the motor control andinterrupting the continuity and disconnecting the motor and the motorpower source in the off position of the motor control.

6. The apparatus of claim I wherein the means connecting the drive shaftof the motor to the first support connector is defined further toinclude:

a shaft support block secured to the first support connector, having oneopening extending therethrough and another opening extending through aportion thereof intersecting the first-mentioned opening, one end of thedrive shaft extending through a por tion of the first-mentioned openingand a portion of the drive shaft disposed near the intersection of thefirst-mentioned and the last-mentioned openings; and r means disposedthrough the last-mentioned opening in the shaft support block engagingthe drive shaft nectable to one of the first and the second supportconnectors, the braces cooperating to brace the first and the secondsupport connectors in an unrolled position of the awning and in oneposition of each brace member thereby preventing the rotation of thefirst and the second support connectors in a direction generally towardthe support structure.

, 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening in the shaft isdefined'further as extending axially therethrough intersecting theopposite end of the shaft, and wherein the means connecting the shaftand the second support connector is defined further to include: a plugdisposed in the opening of the shaft generally near one end of theshaft, opposite the end portion connected to the motor; means connectedto the shaft and to the plug securedly connecting the shaft and theplug; a shaft extension having one end secured to the plug and theopposite end portion extendinga distance beyond the end of the shaftopposite the end of the shaft connected to the motor, a portion of theshaft extension journally connected to a portion of the second supportconnector; and means connected to the shaft extension and engageablewith a portion of the second support connector retaining the shaftextension in an assembled position journally connected to the secondsupport connector.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 defined further to include:

a cap, having a cap opening formed through a portion thereof, aportionof the cap insertable within a portion of the opening in the shaftgenerally near the end portion of the shaft connected to the motor, thedrive shaft extending through the cap opening and the cap substantiallyencompassing a portion of the opening in the shaft.

1. Awning control apparatus for connection to a support structure,comprising: a shaft, having opposite ends and an opening extending adistance axially therethrough intersecting one of the ends thereof; anawning, having a roll end and a support end, the roll end of the awningconnected to the shaft and the support end of the awning connectable tothe support structure; a motor, having a drive shaft extendingtherefrom, disposed within a portion of the opening in the shaft and thedrive shaft extending a distance beyond the end of the shaft intersectedvia the shaft opening, the motor having a first driven position applyingtorque to the drive shaft in a direction tending to rotate the shaft inone direction and a second driven position applying torque to the driveshaft in a direction tending to rotate the drive shaft in an oppositedirection with respect to the first driven position; means connected tothe shaft and the motor securing the motor to the shaft; a first supportconnector having one end portion pivotally connectable to the supportstructure, generally below the connection between the support structureand the awning; means connected to the end portion of the first supportconnector, opposite the end portion of the first support connectorconnectable to the support structure, and having a portion securedlyconnecting the drive shaft of the motor to the first support connector,thereby securing the drive shaft in a stationary position relative tothe first support connector; a second support connector having one endportion pivotally connectable to the support structure, generally belowthe connection between the support structure and the awning; meanshaving one portion secured to the shaft generally near the end thereof,opposite the end portion of the shaft connected to the motor, and oneother portion journally connected to the end of the second supportconnector, opposite the end portion connectable to the supportstructure; and means connected to the motor and having a portionpositionable in a forward position positioning the motor in a firstdriven position rotating the shaft in a storing direction storinglyrolling the awning about the shaft and positionable in a reverseposition positioning the motor in a second driven position rotating theshaft in a releasing direction releasingly unrolling the awning from theshaft.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and the secondsupport connectors are each defined further to include: a rod memberhaving one end pivotally connectable to the support structure, generallybelow the connection between the support structure and the awning; and abase membEr having one end portion telescopingly connected to the end ofthe rod member, opposite the end of the rod member connectable to thesupport structure, the end of the base member, opposite the end thereoftelescopingly connected to the rod member, being connectable to one endportion of the shaft; and wherein the motor is connected to the shaftand to one of the base members such that the weight of the motor, theshaft and the first and the second support connectors cooperate with thepivotal connection between the first and the second support connectorsand the shaft and the end of the first and the second support connectorsare pivotally connectable to the support structure to pivotally bias theshaft in a pivotal direction generally away from the support structuremaintaining the awning taut.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein eachbase member includes a hollow opening extending a distance therethroughintersecting the end thereof telescopingly connected to one of the rodmembers, and wherein the apparatus is defined further to include: a pairof stops, one stop disposed in the hollow opening of each base memberand securedly connected in a predetermined position thereto, each stopengaging the end of the rod member telescoped in the base memberlimiting the movement of each rod member in one direction with respectto the base member telescopingly connected thereto, the stopscooperatingly positioning the rod members and the base members of thefirst and the second support connectors in a storing position.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein each base member includes a hollow openingextending a distance therethrough intersecting the end thereoftelescopingly connected to one of the rod members, and a plurality ofspaced openings formed through each base member intersecting the hollowopening extending through a portion of each base member; and wherein theapparatus is defined further to include: a pair of screw members, onescrew member threadedly insertable through predetermined, selectedopenings formed through each base member to a position wherein a portionof each screw member is disposed within a portion of the hollow openingof one of the base members and engageable with the end of the rod membertelescoped in the base member limiting the movement of each of the rodmembers in the base members in one direction, the screw memberscooperatingly positioning the rod members and the base members inpredetermined telescoped positions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe means positioning the motor in the first and the second drivenpositions is defined further to include: a motor power source connectedto the motor; a motor control interposed between the motor and the motorpower source, having a forward position, a reverse position and an offposition, the motor control connecting the motor power source to themotor positioning the motor in the first driven position in the forwardposition of the motor control, connecting the motor power source to themotor positioning the motor in the second driven position in the reverseposition of the motor control and interrupting the continuity anddisconnecting the motor and the motor power source in the off positionof the motor control.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the meansconnecting the drive shaft of the motor to the first support connectoris defined further to include: a shaft support block secured to thefirst support connector, having one opening extending therethrough andanother opening extending through a portion thereof intersecting thefirst-mentioned opening, one end of the drive shaft extending through aportion of the first-mentioned opening and a portion of the drive shaftdisposed near the intersection of the first-mentioned and thelast-mentioned openings; and means disposed through the last-mentionedopening in the shaft support block engaging the drive shaft and theshaft support block securing the drive shaft to the shaft support block,thEreby securing the drive shaft to the first support connector.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 defined further to include: a pair of bracemembers, each brace member having one end pivotally connected to thesupport structure and the opposite end thereof removably connectable toone of the first and the second support connectors, the bracescooperating to brace the first and the second support connectors in anunrolled position of the awning and in one position of each brace memberthereby preventing the rotation of the first and the second supportconnectors in a direction generally toward the support structure.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening in the shaft is defined furtheras extending axially therethrough intersecting the opposite end of theshaft, and wherein the means connecting the shaft and the second supportconnector is defined further to include: a plug disposed in the openingof the shaft generally near one end of the shaft, opposite the endportion connected to the motor; means connected to the shaft and to theplug securedly connecting the shaft and the plug; a shaft extensionhaving one end secured to the plug and the opposite end portionextending a distance beyond the end of the shaft opposite the end of theshaft connected to the motor, a portion of the shaft extension journallyconnected to a portion of the second support connector; and meansconnected to the shaft extension and engageable with a portion of thesecond support connector retaining the shaft extension in an assembledposition journally connected to the second support connector.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 defined further to include: a cap, having a capopening formed through a portion thereof, a portion of the capinsertable within a portion of the opening in the shaft generally nearthe end portion of the shaft connected to the motor, the drive shaftextending through the cap opening and the cap substantially encompassinga portion of the opening in the shaft.